This instrument is constructed from a stout pole affixed to a heavy boot at the base. Metal "jingles", commonly beer-bottle tops, are fastened at intervals along the shaft. When played on a wooden floor (common in ale-houses) the sound produced is a combination of a bass drum and tambourine.

The name "monkey stick" comes from a modern practice: in homage to the trained monkeys formerly used by buskers to solicit money from passers-by, a number of musicians have taken to fixing a small stuffed toy monkey to the tops of their instruments.

It is also occasionally confused with the lesser known "Laser-Flute", created by Sunderland 'hard-man' Spuggy Purvis. The musical instrument also doubles as a self defence weapon, and is primarily found in rough areas of Bondi, such as "The Royal".